The Taming of the Shrew

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay. 

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the play over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The play begins with a deceitful act. Even the name of the character at the receiving end of this deceit, “Sly,” is a play on words related to this theme.

• How is the deceit in the beginning indicative of other deceitful acts? (topic sentence)
• Identify three other acts of Trickery in the play.
• How does the play-within-a-play format of The Taming of the Shrew allude to deception early in the plot? Respond to this question in your concluding sentence or sentences.

2. Throughout the play, many of the characters focus on inheriting or acquiring more wealth.

• What is the relationship between Money and Marriage in this play? (topic sentence)
• Select three characters and summarize how wealth informs their decisions and motives in the play.
• Based on the ending of the play, would you say that the characters that sought wealth through marriage were happy in the end? Explain your reasoning in your concluding sentence or sentences.

3. Consider Katherine’s final monologue in Act V, Scene 2 as it relates to her beliefs on marriage and wifely duties.

• What is Katherine’s motive in delivering her monologue? (topic sentence)
• Identify three references to marriage duties within her monologue. How does each reference relate to her motive?
• Do you believe this monologue shows that Katherine now believes in more traditional gender roles and Femininity? Why or why not? Conclude your essay with your thoughts and rationale.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Throughout the play, several characters masquerade as someone else, resulting in a comical if somewhat confusing narrative. Consider the complexities of pretending in this play, as well as the different subplots of Trickery and confusion. What is the overall effect of Trickery in this play?

2. Reflect on Katherine’s Transformation. In your opinion, was the “shrew” “tamed” by the end of this play? Why or why not? Support your thoughts and rationale with evidence from the text.